Programming techniques to improve programming time and reduce programming errors

ABSTRACT

A memory device including an array of memory cells arranged in a plurality of word lines is provided. A control circuitry is configured to program the memory cells of a selected word line to a plurality of leading data states in a plurality of programming loops that include programming and verify pulses. The control circuitry is also configured to count a total number of programming loops during programming of the selected word line. The control circuitry is also configured to program at least one memory cell of the selected word line to a last data state in at least one last data state programming loop. In response to both the total number of programming loops being less than a first predetermined threshold and the number of last data state programming loops being equal to a second predetermined threshold, the control circuitry automatically skips verify in a final programming loop.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present technology relates to the operation of memory devices and, more particularly, to techniques of programming the memory cells of a memory device with improved performance and fewer programming errors.

2. Related Art

In some programming techniques for programming multiple bits of data into each of a plurality of memory cells of a selected word line, a programming operation includes a plurality of programming loops (or iterations) with each programming loop including a programming step and a verify step. Programming continues until the memory cells are programmed to respective data states that are associated with increasing threshold voltage levels. In order to improve programming time (i.e., reduce tProg), in some programming operations, a final verify step to verify the last data state is skipped, and programming is completed without verify having passed. For most memory blocks, skipping the final verify step is okay but occasionally in defective memory blocks, skipping the last verify step can result in undetected programming errors. For example, FIG. 12 depicts a threshold voltage distribution of a TLC (three bits per memory cell) word line. As illustrated, many of the memory cells of the highest voltage data state (S7) are under programmed, i.e., the S7 data state has a large lower tail. If left uncorrected, this can potentially result in read errors and a loss of data.

One approach to combatting the programming errors that can result from skipping the final verify step is to conduct an enhanced post-write read (EPWR) operation. However, there is a significant tProg penalty associated with the additional read operation.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure is related to a method of operating a memory device. The method includes the step of preparing a memory device that includes a plurality of memory cells which are arranged in a plurality of word lines. The memory cells are capable of being programmed to store multiple bits of data per memory cell in a plurality of data states. The method includes, in a plurality of programming loops, programming the memory cells of a selected word line of the plurality of word lines to a plurality of leading data states. The programming loops include programming pulses and verify pulses. The method continues with the step of counting a total number of programming loops. The method also includes programming at least one memory cell of the selected word line to a last data state in at least one last data state programming loop. The method proceeds with counting a number of last data state programming loops. In response to both the total number of programming loops being less than a first predetermined threshold and the number of last data state programming loops being equal to a second predetermined threshold, the method continues with skipping verify in a final programming loop and completing programming.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, during programming of the last data state, in response to the total number of programming loops being greater than the first predetermined threshold, the method further includes conducting verify in each programming loop until verify passes or until programming fails.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, during programming of the last data state, in response to the number of last data state programming loops being less than the second predetermined threshold, the method proceeds with continuing to perform verify in each programming loops until either the number of total programming loops is greater than or equal to the first predetermined threshold or until the number of last data state programming loops is equal to the second predetermined threshold.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of data states includes eight total data states, and the last data state is a seventh programmed data state.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the first predetermined threshold is twelve.

According to yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, the second predetermined threshold is three.

According to still a further aspect of the present disclosure, each programming loop includes applying a programming pulse to a control gate of the selected word line, and the programming pulses have increasing voltages with an increase in the count of the total number of programming loops.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is related to a memory device that includes an array of memory cells arranged in a plurality of word lines. The memory cells are capable of being programmed to store multiple bits of data per memory cell. A control circuitry is communicatively coupled to the array of memory cells and is configured to program the memory cells of a selected word line of the plurality of word lines to a plurality of leading data states in a plurality of programming loops that include programming pulses and verify pulses. The control circuitry is also configured to count a total number of programming loops during programming of the selected word line. The control circuitry is also configured to program at least one memory cell of the selected word line to a last data state in at least one last data state programming loop, The at least one last data state programming loop includes counting a number of last data state programming loops. In response to both the total number of programming loops being less than a first predetermined threshold and the number of last data state programming loops being equal to a second predetermined threshold, the control circuitry automatically skips verify in a final programming loop and completing programming.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, during programming of the last data state, in response to the total number of programming loops being greater than the first predetermined threshold, the control circuitry is configured to automatically conduct verify in each programming loop until verify passes or until programming fails.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, during programming of the last data state, in response to the number of last data state programming loops being less than the second predetermined threshold, the control circuitry is configured to continue to perform verify in the programming loops until either the number of total programming loops is greater than or equal to the first predetermined threshold or until the number of last data state programming loops is equal to the second predetermined threshold.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of data states includes eight total data states, and the last data state is a seventh programmed data state.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the first predetermined threshold is twelve.

According to yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, the second predetermined threshold is three.

According to still a further aspect of the present disclosure, each programming loop performed by the control circuitry includes applying a programming pulse to a control gate of the selected word line, and the programming pulses have increasing voltages with an increase in the count of the total number of programming loops.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure is related to an apparatus that includes an array of memory cells arranged in a plurality of word lines. The memory cells are capable of being programmed to store multiple bits of data per memory cell. The apparatus also includes a programming means that is communicatively coupled to the array of memory cells for programming the memory cells of a selected word line of the plurality of word lines to a plurality of leading data states in a plurality of programming loops, which include programming pulses and verify pulses. The programming means is also configured to count a total number of programming loops during programming of the selected word line. The programming means is further configured to program at least one memory cell of the selected word line to a last data state. During programming of the last data state, the programming means counts a number of last data state programming loops. In response to both the total number of programming loops being less than a first predetermined threshold and the number of last data state programming loops being equal to a second predetermined threshold, the programming means skips verify in a final programming loop and completes programming.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, during programming of the last data state, in response to the total number of programming loops being greater than the first predetermined threshold, the programming means conducts verify in each programming loop until verify passes or until programming fails.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, during programming of the last data state, in response to the number of last data state programming loops being less than the second predetermined threshold, the programming means performs verify in the programming loops until either the number of total programming loops is greater than or equal to the first predetermined threshold or until the number of last data state programming loops is equal to the second predetermined threshold.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of data states includes eight total data states, and the last data state is a seventh programmed data state.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the first predetermined threshold is twelve.

According to yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, the second predetermined threshold is three.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more detailed description is set forth below with reference to example embodiments depicted in the appended figures. Understanding that these figures depict only example embodiments of the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure is described and explained with added specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example memory device;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an example control circuit;

FIG. 2 depicts blocks of memory cells in an example two-dimensional configuration of the memory array of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B depict cross-sectional views of example floating gate memory cells in NAND strings;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B depict cross-sectional views of example charge-trapping memory cells in NAND strings;

FIG. 5 depicts an example block diagram of the sense block SB1 of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a set of blocks in an example three-dimensional configuration of the memory array of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6B depicts an example cross-sectional view of a portion of one of the blocks of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C depicts a plot of memory hole diameter in the stack of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 6D depicts a close-up view of region 722 of the stack of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7A depicts a top view of an example word line layer WLL0 of the stack of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7B depicts a top view of an example top dielectric layer DL19 of the stack of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 8A depicts example NAND strings in the sub-blocks SBa-SBd of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8B depicts another example view of NAND strings in sub-blocks;

FIG. 9 illustrates the Vth distributions of the data states in a MLC memory system;

FIG. 10 illustrates the Vth distributions of the data states in a TLC memory system;

FIG. 11 illustrates the Vth distributions of the data states in a QLC memory system;

FIG. 12 illustrates the Vth distributions of the data states in a bad memory block of a TLC memory system wherein programming was completed before verify passed;

FIG. 13 depicts the voltage versus time applied to a control gate of a selected word line of a good memory block during programming according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 depicts the voltage versus time applied to a control gate of a selected word line of a bad memory block during programming according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 depicts a flow chart illustrating the steps of programming the memory cells of a selected word line according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Programming techniques are provided to improve programming speeds in a memory device with fewer programming errors. More specifically, a controller of the memory device intelligently and automatically executes different programming operations on good strings and suspected bad strings. On the good strings, the controller skips a final verify step and completes programming without it to improve programming time (tProg), and on the suspected bad strings, the controller does not skip the final verify step, i.e., programming is only passed once verify is passed to protect against programming errors. Thus, tProg is improved by programming the good strings more quickly without the cost of programming errors in the suspected bad strings and without the need for a time consuming EPWR operation. These programming techniques are discussed in further detail below.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example memory device. The memory device 100 may include one or more memory die 108. The memory die 108 includes a memory structure 126 of memory cells, such as an array of memory cells, control circuitry 110, and read/write circuits 128. The memory structure 126 is addressable by word lines via a row decoder 124 and by bit lines via a column decoder 132. The read/write circuits 128 include multiple sense blocks SB1, SB2, . . . SBp (sensing circuitry) and allow a page of memory cells to be read or programmed in parallel. Typically, a controller 122 is included in the same memory device 100 (e.g., a removable storage card) as the one or more memory die 108. Commands and data are transferred between the host 140 and controller 122 via a data bus 120, and between the controller and the one or more memory die 108 via lines 118.

The memory structure 126 can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The memory structure 126 may comprise one or more array of memory cells including a three-dimensional array. The memory structure 126 may comprise a monolithic three-dimensional memory structure in which multiple memory levels are formed above (and not in) a single substrate, such as a wafer, with no intervening substrates. The memory structure 126 may comprise any type of non-volatile memory that is monolithically formed in one or more physical levels of arrays of memory cells having an active area disposed above a silicon substrate. The memory structure 126 may be in a non-volatile memory device having circuitry associated with the operation of the memory cells, whether the associated circuitry is above or within the substrate.

The control circuitry 110 cooperates with the read/write circuits 128 to perform memory operations on the memory structure 126, and includes a state machine 112, an on-chip address decoder 114, and a power control module 116. The state machine 112 provides chip-level control of memory operations.

A storage region 113 may, for example, be provided for programming parameters. The programming parameters may include a program voltage, a program voltage bias, position parameters indicating positions of memory cells, contact line connector thickness parameters, a verify voltage, and/or the like. The position parameters may indicate a position of a memory cell within the entire array of NAND strings, a position of a memory cell as being within a particular NAND string group, a position of a memory cell on a particular plane, and/or the like. The contact line connector thickness parameters may indicate a thickness of a contact line connector, a substrate or material that the contact line connector is comprised of, and/or the like.

The on-chip address decoder 114 provides an address interface between that used by the host or a memory controller to the hardware address used by the decoders 124 and 132. The power control module 116 controls the power and voltages supplied to the word lines and bit lines during memory operations. It can include drivers for word lines, SGS and SGD transistors, and source lines. The sense blocks can include bit line drivers, in one approach. An SGS transistor is a select gate transistor at a source end of a NAND string, and an SGD transistor is a select gate transistor at a drain end of a NAND string.

In some embodiments, some of the components can be combined. In various designs, one or more of the components (alone or in combination), other than memory structure 126, can be thought of as at least one control circuit which is configured to perform the actions described herein. For example, a control circuit may include any one of, or a combination of, control circuitry 110, state machine 112, decoders 114/132, power control module 116, sense blocks SBb, SB2, . . . , SBp, read/write circuits 128, controller 122, and so forth.

The control circuits can include a programming circuit configured to perform a program and verify operation for one set of memory cells, wherein the one set of memory cells comprises memory cells assigned to represent one data state among a plurality of data states and memory cells assigned to represent another data state among the plurality of data states; the program and verify operation comprising a plurality of program and verify iterations; and in each program and verify iteration, the programming circuit performs programming for the one selected word line after which the programming circuit applies a verification signal to the selected word line. The control circuits can also include a counting circuit configured to obtain a count of memory cells which pass a verify test for the one data state. The control circuits can also include a determination circuit configured to determine, based on an amount by which the count exceeds a threshold, a particular program and verify iteration among the plurality of program and verify iterations in which to perform a verify test for another data state for the memory cells assigned to represent another data state.

For example, FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an example control circuit 150 which comprises a programming circuit 151, a counting circuit 152, and a determination circuit 153.

The off-chip controller 122 may comprise a processor 122 c, storage devices (memory) such as ROM 122 a and RAM 122 b and an error-correction code (ECC) engine 245. The ECC engine can correct a number of read errors which are caused when the upper tail of a Vth distribution becomes too high. However, uncorrectable errors may exist in some cases. The techniques provided herein reduce the likelihood of uncorrectable errors.

The storage device(s) 122 a, 122 b comprise, code such as a set of instructions, and the processor 122 c is operable to execute the set of instructions to provide the functionality described herein. Alternately or additionally, the processor 122 c can access code from a storage device 126 a of the memory structure 126, such as a reserved area of memory cells in one or more word lines. For example, code can be used by the controller 122 to access the memory structure 126 such as for programming, read and erase operations. The code can include boot code and control code (e.g., set of instructions). The boot code is software that initializes the controller 122 during a booting or startup process and enables the controller 122 to access the memory structure 126. The code can be used by the controller 122 to control one or more memory structures 126. Upon being powered up, the processor 122 c fetches the boot code from the ROM 122 a or storage device 126 a for execution, and the boot code initializes the system components and loads the control code into the RAM 122 b. Once the control code is loaded into the RAM 122 b, it is executed by the processor 122 c. The control code includes drivers to perform basic tasks such as controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing the processing of instructions, and controlling input and output ports.

Generally, the control code can include instructions to perform the functions described herein including the steps of the flowcharts discussed further below and provide the voltage waveforms including those discussed further below.

In one embodiment, the host is a computing device (e.g., laptop, desktop, smartphone, tablet, digital camera) that includes one or more processors, one or more processor readable storage devices (RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk drive, solid state memory) that store processor readable code (e.g., software) for programming the one or more processors to perform the methods described herein. The host may also include additional system memory, one or more input/output interfaces and/or one or more input/output devices in communication with the one or more processors.

Other types of non-volatile memory in addition to NAND flash memory can also be used.

Semiconductor memory devices include volatile memory devices, such as dynamic random access memory (“DRAM”) or static random access memory (“SRAM”) devices, non-volatile memory devices, such as resistive random access memory (“ReRAM”), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (“EEPROM”), flash memory (which can also be considered a subset of EEPROM), ferroelectric random access memory (“FRAM”), and magnetoresistive random access memory (“MRAM”), and other semiconductor elements capable of storing information. Each type of memory device may have different configurations. For example, flash memory devices may be configured in a NAND or a NOR configuration.

The memory devices can be formed from passive and/or active elements, in any combinations. By way of non-limiting example, passive semiconductor memory elements include ReRAM device elements, which in some embodiments include a resistivity switching storage element, such as an anti-fuse or phase change material, and optionally a steering element, such as a diode or transistor. Further by way of non-limiting example, active semiconductor memory elements include EEPROM and flash memory device elements, which in some embodiments include elements containing a charge storage region, such as a floating gate, conductive nanoparticles, or a charge storage dielectric material.

Multiple memory elements may be configured so that they are connected in series or so that each element is individually accessible. By way of non-limiting example, flash memory devices in a NAND configuration (NAND memory) typically contain memory elements connected in series. A NAND string is an example of a set of series-connected transistors comprising memory cells and SG transistors.

A NAND memory array may be configured so that the array is composed of multiple memory strings in which a string is composed of multiple memory elements sharing a single bit line and accessed as a group. Alternatively, memory elements may be configured so that each element is individually accessible, e.g., a NOR memory array. NAND and NOR memory configurations are examples, and memory elements may be otherwise configured. The semiconductor memory elements located within and/or over a substrate may be arranged in two or three dimensions, such as a two-dimensional memory structure or a three-dimensional memory structure.

In a two-dimensional memory structure, the semiconductor memory elements are arranged in a single plane or a single memory device level. Typically, in a two-dimensional memory structure, memory elements are arranged in a plane (e.g., in an x-y direction plane) which extends substantially parallel to a major surface of a substrate that supports the memory elements. The substrate may be a wafer over or in which the layer of the memory elements is formed or it may be a carrier substrate which is attached to the memory elements after they are formed. As a non-limiting example, the substrate may include a semiconductor such as silicon.

The memory elements may be arranged in the single memory device level in an ordered array, such as in a plurality of rows and/or columns. However, the memory elements may be arrayed in non-regular or non-orthogonal configurations. The memory elements may each have two or more electrodes or contact lines, such as bit lines and word lines.

A three-dimensional memory array is arranged so that memory elements occupy multiple planes or multiple memory device levels, thereby forming a structure in three dimensions (i.e., in the x, y and z directions, where the z-direction is substantially perpendicular and the x- and y-directions are substantially parallel to the major surface of the substrate).

As a non-limiting example, a three-dimensional memory structure may be vertically arranged as a stack of multiple two-dimensional memory device levels. As another non-limiting example, a three-dimensional memory array may be arranged as multiple vertical columns (e.g., columns extending substantially perpendicular to the major surface of the substrate, i.e., in the y direction) with each column having multiple memory elements. The columns may be arranged in a two-dimensional configuration, e.g., in an x-y plane, resulting in a three-dimensional arrangement of memory elements with elements on multiple vertically stacked memory planes. Other configurations of memory elements in three dimensions can also constitute a three-dimensional memory array.

By way of non-limiting example, in a three-dimensional array of NAND strings, the memory elements may be coupled together to form a NAND string within a single horizontal (e.g., x-y) memory device level. Alternatively, the memory elements may be coupled together to form a vertical NAND string that traverses across multiple horizontal memory device levels. Other three-dimensional configurations can be envisioned wherein some NAND strings contain memory elements in a single memory level while other strings contain memory elements which span through multiple memory levels. Three-dimensional memory arrays may also be designed in a NOR configuration and in a ReRAM configuration.

Typically, in a monolithic three-dimensional memory array, one or more memory device levels are formed above a single substrate. Optionally, the monolithic three-dimensional memory array may also have one or more memory layers at least partially within the single substrate. As a non-limiting example, the substrate may include a semiconductor such as silicon. In a monolithic three-dimensional array, the layers constituting each memory device level of the array are typically formed on the layers of the underlying memory device levels of the array. However, layers of adjacent memory device levels of a monolithic three-dimensional memory array may be shared or have intervening layers between memory device levels.

Then again, two-dimensional arrays may be formed separately and then packaged together to form a non-monolithic memory device having multiple layers of memory. For example, non-monolithic stacked memories can be constructed by forming memory levels on separate substrates and then stacking the memory levels atop each other. The substrates may be thinned or removed from the memory device levels before stacking, but as the memory device levels are initially formed over separate substrates, the resulting memory arrays are not monolithic three-dimensional memory arrays. Further, multiple two-dimensional memory arrays or three-dimensional memory arrays (monolithic or non-monolithic) may be formed on separate chips and then packaged together to form a stacked-chip memory device.

FIG. 2 illustrates schematic views of three types of memory architectures utilizing staggered memory strings. For example, reference number 201 shows a schematic view of a first example memory architecture, reference number 203 shows a schematic view of a second example memory architecture, and reference number 205 shows a schematic view of a third example memory architecture. In some embodiments, as shown, the memory architecture may include an array of staggered NAND strings.

FIG. 2 illustrates blocks 200, 210 of memory cells in an example two-dimensional configuration of the memory array 126 of FIG. 1 . The memory array 126 can include many such blocks 200, 210. Each example block 200, 210 includes a number of NAND strings and respective bit lines, e.g., BL0, BL1, . . . which are shared among the blocks. Each NAND string is connected at one end to a drain-side select gate (SGD), and the control gates of the drain select gates are connected via a common SGD line. The NAND strings are connected at their other end to a source-side select gate (SGS) which, in turn, is connected to a common source line 220. Sixteen word lines, for example, WL0-WL15, extend between the SGSs and the SGDs. In some cases, dummy word lines, which contain no user data, can also be used in the memory array adjacent to the select gate transistors. Such dummy word lines can shield the edge data word line from certain edge effects.

One type of non-volatile memory which may be provided in the memory array is a floating gate memory, such as of the type shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. However, other types of non-volatile memory can also be used. As discussed in further detail below, in another example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a charge-trapping memory cell uses a non-conductive dielectric material in place of a conductive floating gate to store charge in a non-volatile manner. A triple layer dielectric formed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride and silicon oxide (“ONO”) is sandwiched between a conductive control gate and a surface of a semi-conductive substrate above the memory cell channel. The cell is programmed by injecting electrons from the cell channel into the nitride, where they are trapped and stored in a limited region. This stored charge then changes the threshold voltage of a portion of the channel of the cell in a manner that is detectable. The cell is erased by injecting hot holes into the nitride. A similar cell can be provided in a split-gate configuration where a doped polysilicon gate extends over a portion of the memory cell channel to form a separate select transistor.

In another approach, NROM cells are used. Two bits, for example, are stored in each NROM cell, where an ONO dielectric layer extends across the channel between source and drain diffusions. The charge for one data bit is localized in the dielectric layer adjacent to the drain, and the charge for the other data bit localized in the dielectric layer adjacent to the source. Multi-state data storage is obtained by separately reading binary states of the spatially separated charge storage regions within the dielectric. Other types of non-volatile memory are also known.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of example floating gate memory cells 300, 310, 320 in NAND strings. In this Figure, a bit line or NAND string direction goes into the page, and a word line direction goes from left to right. As an example, word line 324 extends across NAND strings which include respective channel regions 306, 316 and 326. The memory cell 300 includes a control gate 302, a floating gate 304, a tunnel oxide layer 305 and the channel region 306. The memory cell 310 includes a control gate 312, a floating gate 314, a tunnel oxide layer 315 and the channel region 316. The memory cell 320 includes a control gate 322, a floating gate 321, a tunnel oxide layer 325 and the channel region 326. Each memory cell 300, 310, 320 is in a different respective NAND string. An inter-poly dielectric (IPD) layer 328 is also illustrated. The control gates 302, 312, 322 are portions of the word line. A cross-sectional view along contact line connector 329 is provided in FIG. 3B.

The control gate 302, 312, 322 wraps around the floating gate 304, 314, 321, increasing the surface contact area between the control gate 302, 312, 322 and floating gate 304, 314, 321. This results in higher IPD capacitance, leading to a higher coupling ratio which makes programming and erase easier. However, as NAND memory devices are scaled down, the spacing between neighboring cells 300, 310, 320 becomes smaller so there is almost no space for the control gate 302, 312, 322 and the IPD layer 328 between two adjacent floating gates 302, 312, 322.

As an alternative, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the flat or planar memory cell 400, 410, 420 has been developed in which the control gate 402, 412, 422 is flat or planar; that is, it does not wrap around the floating gate and its only contact with the charge storage layer 428 is from above it. In this case, there is no advantage in having a tall floating gate. Instead, the floating gate is made much thinner. Further, the floating gate can be used to store charge, or a thin charge trap layer can be used to trap charge. This approach can avoid the issue of ballistic electron transport, where an electron can travel through the floating gate after tunneling through the tunnel oxide during programming.

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of example charge-trapping memory cells 400, 410, 420 in NAND strings. The view is in a word line direction of memory cells 400, 410, 420 comprising a flat control gate and charge-trapping regions as a two-dimensional example of memory cells 400, 410, 420 in the memory cell array 126 of FIG. 1 . Charge-trapping memory can be used in NOR and NAND flash memory device. This technology uses an insulator such as an SiN film to store electrons, in contrast to a floating-gate MOSFET technology which uses a conductor such as doped polycrystalline silicon to store electrons. As an example, a word line 424 extends across NAND strings which include respective channel regions 406, 416, 426. Portions of the word line provide control gates 402, 412, 422. Below the word line is an IPD layer 428, charge-trapping layers 404, 414, 421, polysilicon layers 405, 415, 425, and tunneling layers 409, 407, 408. Each charge-trapping layer 404, 414, 421 extends continuously in a respective NAND string. The flat configuration of the control gate can be made thinner than a floating gate. Additionally, the memory cells can be placed closer together.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 4A along contact line connector 429. The NAND string 430 includes an SGS transistor 431, example memory cells 400, 433, . . . 435, and an SGD transistor 436. Passageways in the IPD layer 428 in the SGS and SGD transistors 431, 436 allow the control gate layers 402 and floating gate layers to communicate. The control gate 402 and floating gate layers may be polysilicon and the tunnel oxide layer may be silicon oxide, for instance. The IPD layer 428 can be a stack of nitrides (N) and oxides (O) such as in a N—O—N—O—N configuration.

The NAND string may be formed on a substrate which comprises a p-type substrate region 455, an n-type well 456 and a p-type well 457. N-type source/drain diffusion regions sd1, sd2, sd3, sd4, sd5, sd6 and sd7 are formed in the p-type well. A channel voltage, Vch, may be applied directly to the channel region of the substrate.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example block diagram of the sense block SB1 of FIG. 1 . In one approach, a sense block comprises multiple sense circuits. Each sense circuit is associated with data latches. For example, the example sense circuits 550 a, 551 a, 552 a, and 553 a are associated with the data latches 550 b, 551 b, 552 b, and 553 b, respectively. In one approach, different subsets of bit lines can be sensed using different respective sense blocks. This allows the processing load which is associated with the sense circuits to be divided up and handled by a respective processor in each sense block. For example, a sense circuit controller 560 in SB1 can communicate with the set of sense circuits and latches. The sense circuit controller 560 may include a pre-charge circuit 561 which provides a voltage to each sense circuit for setting a pre-charge voltage. In one possible approach, the voltage is provided to each sense circuit independently, e.g., via the data bus and a local bus. In another possible approach, a common voltage is provided to each sense circuit concurrently. The sense circuit controller 560 may also include a pre-charge circuit 561, a memory 562 and a processor 563. The memory 562 may store code which is executable by the processor to perform the functions described herein. These functions can include reading the latches 550 b, 551 b, 552 b, 553 b which are associated with the sense circuits 550 a, 551 a, 552 a, 553 a, setting bit values in the latches and providing voltages for setting pre-charge levels in sense nodes of the sense circuits 550 a, 551 a, 552 a, 553 a. Further example details of the sense circuit controller 560 and the sense circuits 550 a, 551 a, 552 a, 553 a are provided below.

In some embodiments, a memory cell may include a flag register that includes a set of latches storing flag bits. In some embodiments, a quantity of flag registers may correspond to a quantity of data states. In some embodiments, one or more flag registers may be used to control a type of verification technique used when verifying memory cells. In some embodiments, a flag bit's output may modify associated logic of the device, e.g., address decoding circuitry, such that a specified block of cells is selected. A bulk operation (e.g., an erase operation, etc.) may be carried out using the flags set in the flag register, or a combination of the flag register with the address register, as in implied addressing, or alternatively by straight addressing with the address register alone.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a set of blocks 600 in an example three-dimensional configuration of the memory array 126 of FIG. 1 . On the substrate are example blocks BLK0, BLK1, BLK2, BLK3 of memory cells (storage elements) and a peripheral area 604 with circuitry for use by the blocks BLK0, BLK1, BLK2, BLK3. For example, the circuitry can include voltage drivers 605 which can be connected to control gate layers of the blocks BLK0, BLK1, BLK2, BLK3. In one approach, control gate layers at a common height in the blocks BLK0, BLK1, BLK2, BLK3 are commonly driven. The substrate 601 can also carry circuitry under the blocks BLK0, BLK1, BLK2, BLK3, along with one or more lower metal layers which are patterned in conductive paths to carry signals of the circuitry. The blocks BLK0, BLK1, BLK2, BLK3 are formed in an intermediate region 602 of the memory device. In an upper region 603 of the memory device, one or more upper metal layers are patterned in conductive paths to carry signals of the circuitry. Each block BLK0, BLK1, BLK2, BLK3 comprises a stacked area of memory cells, where alternating levels of the stack represent word lines. In one possible approach, each block BLK0, BLK1, BLK2, BLK3 has opposing tiered sides from which vertical contacts extend upward to an upper metal layer to form connections to conductive paths. While four blocks BLK0, BLK1, BLK2, BLK3 are illustrated as an example, two or more blocks can be used, extending in the x- and/or y-directions.

In one possible approach, the length of the plane, in the x-direction, represents a direction in which signal paths to word lines extend in the one or more upper metal layers (a word line or SGD line direction), and the width of the plane, in the y-direction, represents a direction in which signal paths to bit lines extend in the one or more upper metal layers (a bit line direction). The z-direction represents a height of the memory device.

FIG. 6B illustrates an example cross-sectional view of a portion of one of the blocks BLK0, BLK1, BLK2, BLK3 of FIG. 6A. The block comprises a stack 610 of alternating conductive and dielectric layers. In this example, the conductive layers comprise two SGD layers, two SGS layers and four dummy word line layers DWLD0, DWLD1, DWLS0 and DWLS1, in addition to data word line layers (word lines) WLL0-WLL10. The dielectric layers are labelled as DL0-DL19. Further, regions of the stack 610 which comprise NAND strings NS1 and NS2 are illustrated. Each NAND string encompasses a memory hole 618, 619 which is filled with materials which form memory cells adjacent to the word lines. A region 622 of the stack 610 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6D and is discussed in further detail below.

The 610 stack includes a substrate 611, an insulating film 612 on the substrate 611, and a portion of a source line SL. NS1 has a source-end 613 at a bottom 614 of the stack and a drain-end 615 at a top 616 of the stack 610. Contact line connectors (e.g., slits, such as metal-filled slits) 617, 620 may be provided periodically across the stack 610 as interconnects which extend through the stack 610, such as to connect the source line to a particular contact line above the stack 610. The contact line connectors 617, 620 may be used during the formation of the word lines and subsequently filled with metal. A portion of a bit line BL0 is also illustrated. A conductive via 621 connects the drain-end 615 to BL0.

FIG. 6C illustrates a plot of memory hole diameter in the stack of FIG. 6B. The vertical axis is aligned with the stack of FIG. 6B and illustrates a width (wMH), e.g., diameter, of the memory holes 618 and 619. The word line layers WLL0-WLL10 of FIG. 6A are repeated as an example and are at respective heights z0-z10 in the stack. In such a memory device, the memory holes which are etched through the stack have a very high aspect ratio. For example, a depth-to-diameter ratio of about 25-30 is common. The memory holes may have a circular cross-section. Due to the etching process, the memory hole width can vary along the length of the hole. Typically, the diameter becomes progressively smaller from the top to the bottom of the memory hole. That is, the memory holes are tapered, narrowing at the bottom of the stack. In some cases, a slight narrowing occurs at the top of the hole near the select gate so that the diameter becomes slightly wider before becoming progressively smaller from the top to the bottom of the memory hole.

Due to the non-uniformity in the width of the memory hole, the programming speed, including the program slope and erase speed of the memory cells can vary based on their position along the memory hole, e.g., based on their height in the stack. With a smaller diameter memory hole, the electric field across the tunnel oxide is relatively stronger, so that the programming and erase speed is relatively higher. One approach is to define groups of adjacent word lines for which the memory hole diameter is similar, e.g., within a defined range of diameter, and to apply an optimized verify scheme for each word line in a group. Different groups can have different optimized verify schemes.

FIG. 6D illustrates a close-up view of the region 622 of the stack 610 of FIG. 6B. Memory cells are formed at the different levels of the stack at the intersection of a word line layer and a memory hole. In this example, SGD transistors 680, 681 are provided above dummy memory cells 682, 683 and a data memory cell MC. A number of layers can be deposited along the sidewall (SW) of the memory hole 630 and/or within each word line layer, e.g., using atomic layer deposition. For example, each column (e.g., the pillar which is formed by the materials within a memory hole 630) can include a charge-trapping layer or film 663 such as SiN or other nitride, a tunneling layer 664, a polysilicon body or channel 665, and a dielectric core 666. A word line layer can include a blocking oxide/block high-k material 660, a metal barrier 661, and a conductive metal 662 such as Tungsten as a control gate. For example, control gates 690, 691, 692, 693, and 694 are provided. In this example, all of the layers except the metal are provided in the memory hole 630. In other approaches, some of the layers can be in the control gate layer. Additional pillars are similarly formed in the different memory holes. A pillar can form a columnar active area (AA) of a NAND string.

When a memory cell is programmed, electrons are stored in a portion of the charge-trapping layer which is associated with the memory cell. These electrons are drawn into the charge-trapping layer from the channel, and through the tunneling layer. The Vth of a memory cell is increased in proportion to the amount of stored charge. During an erase operation, the electrons return to the channel.

Each of the memory holes 630 can be filled with a plurality of annular layers comprising a blocking oxide layer, a charge trapping layer 663, a tunneling layer 664 and a channel layer. A core region of each of the memory holes 630 is filled with a body material, and the plurality of annular layers are between the core region and the word line in each of the memory holes 630.

The NAND string can be considered to have a floating body channel because the length of the channel is not formed on a substrate. Further, the NAND string is provided by a plurality of word line layers above one another in a stack, and separated from one another by dielectric layers.

FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of an example word line layer WLL0 of the stack 610 of FIG. 6B. As mentioned, a three-dimensional memory device can comprise a stack of alternating conductive and dielectric layers. The conductive layers provide the control gates of the SG transistors and memory cells. The layers used for the SG transistors are SG layers and the layers used for the memory cells are word line layers. Further, memory holes are formed in the stack and filled with a charge-trapping material and a channel material. As a result, a vertical NAND string is formed. Source lines are connected to the NAND strings below the stack and bit lines are connected to the NAND strings above the stack.

A block BLK in a three-dimensional memory device can be divided into sub-blocks, where each sub-block comprises a NAND string group which has a common SGD control line. For example, see the SGD lines/control gates SGD0, SGD1, SGD2 and SGD3 in the sub-blocks SBa, SBb, SBc and SBd, respectively. Further, a word line layer in a block can be divided into regions. Each region is in a respective sub-block and can extend between contact line connectors (e.g., slits) which are formed periodically in the stack to process the word line layers during the fabrication process of the memory device. This processing can include replacing a sacrificial material of the word line layers with metal. Generally, the distance between contact line connectors should be relatively small to account for a limit in the distance that an etchant can travel laterally to remove the sacrificial material, and that the metal can travel to fill a void which is created by the removal of the sacrificial material. For example, the distance between contact line connectors may allow for a few rows of memory holes between adjacent contact line connectors. The layout of the memory holes and contact line connectors should also account for a limit in the number of bit lines which can extend across the region while each bit line is connected to a different memory cell. After processing the word line layers, the contact line connectors can optionally be filed with metal to provide an interconnect through the stack.

In this example, there are four rows of memory holes between adjacent contact line connectors. A row here is a group of memory holes which are aligned in the x-direction. Moreover, the rows of memory holes are in a staggered pattern to increase the density of the memory holes. The word line layer or word line is divided into regions WLL0 a, WLL0 b, WLL0 c and WLL0 d which are each connected by a contact line 713. The last region of a word line layer in a block can be connected to a first region of a word line layer in a next block, in one approach. The contact line 713, in turn, is connected to a voltage driver for the word line layer. The region WLL0a has example memory holes 710, 711 along a contact line 712. The region WLL0b has example memory holes 714, 715. The region WLL0c has example memory holes 716, 717. The region WLL0d has example memory holes 718, 719. The memory holes are also shown in FIG. 7B. Each memory hole can be part of a respective NAND string. For example, the memory holes 710, 714, 716 and 718 can be part of NAND strings NS0_SBa, NS1_SBb, NS2_SBc, NS3_SBd, and NS4_SBe, respectively.

Each circle represents the cross-section of a memory hole at a word line layer or SG layer. Example circles shown with dashed lines represent memory cells which are provided by the materials in the memory hole and by the adjacent word line layer. For example, memory cells 820, 821 are in WLL0a, memory cells 824, 825 are in WLL0b, memory cells 826, 827 are in WLL0c, and memory cells 828, 829 are in WLL0d. These memory cells are at a common height in the stack.

Contact line connectors (e.g., slits, such as metal-filled slits) 801, 802, 803, 804 may be located between and adjacent to the edges of the regions WLL0a-WLL0d. The contact line connectors 801, 802, 803, 804 provide a conductive path from the bottom of the stack to the top of the stack. For example, a source line at the bottom of the stack may be connected to a conductive line above the stack, where the conductive line is connected to a voltage driver in a peripheral region of the memory device.

FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of an example top dielectric layer DL19 of the stack of FIG. 7B. The dielectric layer is divided into regions DL19a, DL19b, DL19c and DL19d. Each region can be connected to a respective voltage driver. This allows a set of memory cells in one region of a word line layer being programmed concurrently, with each memory cell being in a respective NAND string which is connected to a respective bit line. A voltage can be set on each bit line to allow or inhibit programming during each program voltage.

The region DL19a has the example memory holes 710, 711 along a contact line 712, which is coincident with a bit line BL0. A number of bit lines extend above the memory holes and are connected to the memory holes as indicated by the “X” symbols. BL0 is connected to a set of memory holes which includes the memory holes 711, 715, 717, 719. Another example bit line BL1 is connected to a set of memory holes which includes the memory holes 710, 714, 716, 718. The contact line connectors (e.g., slits, such as metal-filled slits) 701, 702, 703, 704 from FIG. 7A are also illustrated, as they extend vertically through the stack. The bit lines can be numbered in a sequence BL0-BL23 across the DL19 layer in the x-direction.

Different subsets of bit lines are connected to memory cells in different rows. For example, BL0, BL4, BL8, BL12, BL16, BL20 are connected to memory cells in a first row of cells at the right-hand edge of each region. BL2, BL6, BL10, BL14, BL18, BL22 are connected to memory cells in an adjacent row of cells, adjacent to the first row at the right-hand edge. BL3, BL7, BL11, BL15, BL19, BL23 are connected to memory cells in a first row of cells at the left-hand edge of each region. BL1, BL5, BL9, BL13, BL17, BL21 are connected to memory cells in an adjacent row of memory cells, adjacent to the first row at the left-hand edge.

The memory cells can be programmed to store multiple bits in 2^(n) data states where n is a positive integer. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , in a two bit-per cell memory device (MLC), there are four data states including the erased state and three programmed data states (S1, S2, and S3). As shown in FIG. 10 , in a three bit-per cell memory device (TLC), there are eight data states including the erased state and seven programmed data states (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7). As shown in FIG. 11 , in a four bit-per cell memory device (QLC), there are sixteen data states including the erased state and fifteen programmed data states (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, S11, S12, S13, S14, and S15).

Generally, a programming operation can involve applying a pulse train to a selected word line, where the pulse train includes multiple program loops or program-verify iterations. The program portion of the program-verify iteration includes a Vpgm pulse, and the verify portion of the program-verify iteration includes one or more verify pulses. The programming operation of the exemplary embodiment is configured to operate in two modes, namely, a first mode (enable STPFINE) for good strings whereby the verify pulse is skipped in the final program-verify iteration and a second mode (disable STPFINE) for suspected bad strings where the verify pulse is not skipped and programming continues either until failure is determined or until programming is completed. The second mode (disable STPFINE) is automatically employed by the controller for bad memory blocks, which may have leaky memory holes.

A waveform or pulse train 1300 for programming three bits of data (TLC) into each memory cell of a selected word line according to the first mode (enable STPFINE) is depicted in FIG. 13 . The horizontal axis depicts time, and the vertical axis depicts control gate or word line voltage. A square waveform is depicted for each pulse for simplicity; however, other shapes are possible, such as a multilevel shape or a ramped shape. Further, Incremental Step Pulse Programming (ISPP) is used in this example, in which the Vpgm pulse amplitude steps up in each successive program loop. This example uses ISPP in a single programming pass in which the programming is completed. ISPP can also be used in either or both programming passes of a multi-pass operation.

The pulse train includes Vpgm pulses that increase stepwise in amplitude with each program-verify iteration using a fixed step size (dVpgm). A new pulse train starts at an initial Vpgm pulse level and ends at a final Vpgm pulse level which does not exceed a maximum allowed level. In this example, the pulse train 1300 includes a total of twelve program-verify iterations, and thus, a series of twelve Vpgm pulses 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308, 1310, 1312, 1314, 1316, 1318, 1320, 1322 that are applied to a selected word line that includes a set of non-volatile memory cells. In each program-verify iteration, one, two, three, or more verify voltage pulses are provided after each Vpgm pulse as an example, based on the target memory states which are being verified. A voltage of 0 V may be applied to a selected word line between the Vpgm pulses and verify voltage pulses.

In FIG. 13 , the verify voltage Vv1 (see FIG. 10 ) is applied in the first two program-verify iterations after each of the first and second Vpgm pulses 1302, 1304 to verify the memory cells being programmed to data state S1. The verify voltage Vv2 is applied in each of the first three program-verify iterations following the first three Vpgm pulses 1302, 1304, 1306. The verify voltage Vv3 is applied in the second, third, and fourth program-verify iterations following Vpgm pulses 1304, 1306, 1308. This pattern continues until the tenth program-verify iteration where programming of the S1-S6 data states is completed and only the last data state (S7) remains. Thus, the leading data states (S1-S6) are programmed through program-verify iterations that each include a programming pulse and one or more verify pulses.

In the tenth and eleventh program loops, the verify voltage Vv7 is applied following the Vpgm pulses 1320, 1322. However, in the twelfth program-verify iteration, no verify voltage follows the Vpgm pulse 1324. In other words, verify is skipped in the twelfth program-verify iteration to improve tProg. In this embodiment, the controller is configured to automatically verify the S7 data state for no greater than three program-verify iterations following the completion of programming of the S6 data state and then skip verify on the third program-verify iteration. In some embodiments, the number of program-verify iterations following completion of programming of the S6 where verify of the S7 data state is conducted could be more or less than two with verify still being skipped on whichever program-verify iteration is the last program-verify iteration.

FIG. 14 depicts a pulse train 1400 similar to the one of FIG. 13 but where the controller is in the second mode (disable STPFINE). In this pulse train, the twelfth program-verify iteration does include a verify pulse, and additional program loops beyond the twelfth may be included to complete programming of the last data state (S7). By continuing to verify the S7 data state, programming can continue to prevent the long lower tail on the threshold voltage distribution of the S7 data state shown in FIG. 12 or until programming fails. By preventing this from occurring, programming errors and the corresponding risk of data loss are reduced. These benefits are achieved without any time consuming EPWR operation.

In these embodiments depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the programming operation is programming the memory cells to TLC. However, these techniques are also applicable to MLC, QLC, or PLC (five bits per memory cell).

Referring now to FIG. 15 , a flow chart illustrating the steps of an exemplary method of programming a selected word line of a memory device is depicted. At step 1500, all leading data states (i.e., all data states except a last data state, which has a highest threshold voltage) are programmed using an ISPP programming operation with each program-verify iteration including one or more verify pulses. In this embodiment, where the memory cells are being programmed to TLC, data states S1-S6 are programmed at step 1500. Also at step 1500, a total loop counter (Total_Loop) is maintained and counts the total number of program-verify iterations in the programming operation, and an extra loop counter (Extra_Loop) is set at zero. Total_Loop starts at one when the programming operation begins and is incrementally advanced with each program-verify iteration during the entire programming operation (including programming the last data state as discussed below).

At step 1502, a programming pulse (Vpgm) is applied to the control gate of the selected word line to program the S7 data state. Also at step 1502, the Total_Loop and Extra_Loop counters are incrementally advanced (Total_Loop=Total_Loop+1 and Extra_Loop=Extra_Loop+1).

At decision step 1504, it is determined if the first programming mode where verify may be skipped in the last program-verify iteration if the memory block is a good memory block is even enabled.

If the answer at decision step 1504 is no (i.e., only the second mode where every program-verify iteration includes verify is enabled), then the method proceeds to step 1506. At step 1506, verify is conducted for the S7 data state. Specifically, a verify pulse is applied to the control gate of the selected word line to determine if the memory cells of the selected word line that are being programmed to the S7 data state have threshold voltages that are greater than the verify pulse. The method then proceeds to decision step 1508.

At decision step 1508, it is determined if the S7 data state passed verify. This can be accomplished by comparing the number of memory cells that failed the verify operation to a predetermined fail bit count (FBC).

If the answer at decision step 1508 is yes, then at step 1510, programming passes, and the programming operation is complete. If the answer at decision step 1508 is no (verify of the S7 data state failed), then the method proceeds to decision step 1512.

At decision step 1512, it is determined if Total_Loop is less than a predetermined maximum number of program-verify iterations (Max_Loop).

If the answer at decision step 1512 is no, then at step 1514, programming fails, and the programming operation is complete. If the answer at decision step 1512 is yes, then the method returns to step 1502 to begin the next program-verify iteration.

If the answer at decision step 1504 is yes, then the method proceeds to decision step 1516. At decision step 1516, it is determined if Total_Loop is less than a first predetermined threshold number of loops (NLP_Smart) that the first mode is available in. NLP_Smart may be set at any suitable level that can differentiate a good string from a bad string. For example, if a good string should complete programming of the S7 data state in no more than twelve (12) program-verify iterations, then NLP_Smart may be sat to twelve (12) such that if programming continues beyond the twelfth program-verify iteration, then the memory block must be bad and verify should not be skipped. Decision step 1516 thus effectively determines if the memory block being programmed is a good string or a bad string.

If the answer at decision step 1516 is no, the memory block is determined to be a suspected bad string, and the method proceeds to step 1506 to verify the S7 data state thereby ensuring programming is only passed upon passing of verify.

If the answer at decision step 1516 is yes, then the method proceeds to decision step 1518. At decision step 1518, it is determined if Extra_Loop is less than a second predetermined threshold number (PROCOMP_F+n) of program-verify iterations to perform after programming of the S6 data state is completed. In the exemplary programming operation depicted in FIG. 13 , PROCOMP_F+n is three (3) such that programming of the S6 data state is completed after the ninth program-verify iteration, and the twelfth program-verify iteration is the final program-verify iteration. In other embodiments, PROCOM_F+n may be more or less than three (3).

If the answer at decision step 1518 is yes (Extra_Loop<PROCOM_F+n), then the method proceeds to step 1506 to verify the S7 data state.

If the answer at decision step 1518 is no (Extra_Loop≥PROCOMP_F+n), then at step 1510, the programming operation is determined to have passed and is completed.

The programming operation depicted in FIG. 15 allows for an improvement in tProg by skipping the last verify operation on the good memory blocks while reducing programming errors by allowing verify to continue on bad strings until programming either passes or fails. A similar process can be followed for MLC, QLC, or PLC programming.

The several aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in the form of an apparatus, system, method, or computer program process. Therefore, aspects of the present disclosure may be entirely in the form of a hardware embodiment or a software embodiment (including but not limited to firmware, resident software, micro-code, or the like), or may be a combination of both hardware and software components that may generally be referred to collectively as a “circuit,” “module,” “apparatus,” or “system.” Further, various aspects of the present disclosure may be in the form of a computer program process that is embodied, for example, in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing computer-readable and/or executable program code.

Additionally, various terms are used herein to refer to particular system components. Different companies may refer to a same or similar component by different names and this description does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not in function. To the extent that various functional units described in the following disclosure are referred to as “modules,” such a characterization is intended to not unduly restrict the range of potential implementation mechanisms. For example, a “module” could be implemented as a hardware circuit that includes customized very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, or off-the-shelf semiconductors that include logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. In a further example, a module may also be implemented in a programmable hardware device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable array logic, a programmable logic device, or the like. Furthermore, a module may also, at least in part, be implemented by software executed by various types of processors. For example, a module may comprise a segment of executable code constituting one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions that translate into an object, process, or function. Also, it is not required that the executable portions of such a module be physically located together, but rather, may comprise disparate instructions that are stored in different locations and which, when executed together, comprise the identified module and achieve the stated purpose of that module. The executable code may comprise just a single instruction or a set of multiple instructions, as well as be distributed over different code segments, or among different programs, or across several memory devices, etc. In a software, or partial software, module implementation, the software portions may be stored on one or more computer-readable and/or executable storage media that include, but are not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor-based system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination thereof. In general, for purposes of the present disclosure, a computer-readable and/or executable storage medium may be comprised of any tangible and/or non-transitory medium that is capable of containing and/or storing a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, processor, or device.

Similarly, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the term “component” may be comprised of any tangible, physical, and non-transitory device. For example, a component may be in the form of a hardware logic circuit that is comprised of customized VLSI circuits, gate arrays, or other integrated circuits, or is comprised of off-the-shelf semiconductors that include logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components, or any other suitable mechanical and/or electronic devices. In addition, a component could also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, etc. Furthermore, a component may be comprised of one or more silicon-based integrated circuit devices, such as chips, die, die planes, and packages, or other discrete electrical devices, in an electrical communication configuration with one or more other components via electrical conductors of, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB) or the like. Accordingly, a module, as defined above, may in certain embodiments, be embodied by or implemented as a component and, in some instances, the terms module and component may be used interchangeably.

Where the term “circuit” is used herein, it includes one or more electrical and/or electronic components that constitute one or more conductive pathways that allow for electrical current to flow. A circuit may be in the form of a closed-loop configuration or an open-loop configuration. In a closed-loop configuration, the circuit components may provide a return pathway for the electrical current. By contrast, in an open-looped configuration, the circuit components therein may still be regarded as forming a circuit despite not including a return pathway for the electrical current. For example, an integrated circuit is referred to as a circuit irrespective of whether the integrated circuit is coupled to ground (as a return pathway for the electrical current) or not. In certain exemplary embodiments, a circuit may comprise a set of integrated circuits, a sole integrated circuit, or a portion of an integrated circuit. For example, a circuit may include customized VLSI circuits, gate arrays, logic circuits, and/or other forms of integrated circuits, as well as may include off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete devices. In a further example, a circuit may comprise one or more silicon-based integrated circuit devices, such as chips, die, die planes, and packages, or other discrete electrical devices, in an electrical communication configuration with one or more other components via electrical conductors of, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). A circuit could also be implemented as a synthesized circuit with respect to a programmable hardware device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable array logic, and/or programmable logic devices, etc. In other exemplary embodiments, a circuit may comprise a network of non-integrated electrical and/or electronic components (with or without integrated circuit devices). Accordingly, a module, as defined above, may in certain embodiments, be embodied by or implemented as a circuit.

It will be appreciated that example embodiments that are disclosed herein may be comprised of one or more microprocessors and particular stored computer program instructions that control the one or more microprocessors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits and other elements, some, most, or all of the functions disclosed herein.

Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. A combination of these approaches may also be used. Further, references below to a “controller” shall be defined as comprising individual circuit components, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller with controlling software, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or a processor with controlling software, or combinations thereof.

Further, the terms “program,” “software,” “software application,” and the like as may be used herein, refer to a sequence of instructions that is designed for execution on a computer-implemented system. Accordingly, a “program,” “software,” “application,” “computer program,” or “software application” may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of specific instructions that is designed for execution on a computer system.

Additionally, the terms “couple,” “coupled,” or “couples,” where may be used herein, are intended to mean either a direct or an indirect connection. Thus, if a first device couples, or is coupled to, a second device, that connection may be by way of a direct connection or through an indirect connection via other devices (or components) and connections.

Regarding, the use herein of terms such as “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” an “exemplary embodiment,” a “particular embodiment,” or other similar terminology, these terms are intended to indicate that a specific feature, structure, function, operation, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is found in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the appearances of phrases such as “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in an exemplary embodiment,” etc., may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but rather, mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and variations thereof, are used in an open-ended manner and, therefore, should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ” unless expressly specified otherwise. Also, an element that is preceded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the subject process, method, system, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, the phrase “at least one of A and B” as may be used herein and/or in the following claims, whereby A and B are variables indicating a particular object or attribute, indicates a choice of A or B, or both A and B, similar to the phrase “and/or.” Where more than two variables are present in such a phrase, this phrase is hereby defined as including only one of the variables, any one of the variables, any combination (or sub-combination) of any of the variables, and all of the variables.

Further, where used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (e.g., having the same function or result). In certain instances, these terms may include numeric values that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

In addition, any enumerated listing of items that is set forth herein does not imply that any or all of the items listed are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive of one another, unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, the term “set,” as used herein, shall be interpreted to mean “one or more,” and in the case of “sets,” shall be interpreted to mean multiples of (or a plurality of) “one or more,” “ones or more,” and/or “ones or mores” according to set theory, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The foregoing detailed description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or be limited to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description. The described embodiments were chosen to best explain the principles of the technology and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The scope of the technology is defined by the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a memory device, comprising the steps of: preparing a memory device that includes a plurality of memory cells arranged in a plurality of word lines, the memory cells being capable of being programmed to store multiple bits of data per memory cell in a plurality of data states; in a plurality of programming loops, programming the memory cells of a selected word line of the plurality of word lines to a plurality of leading data states, the programming loops including programming pulses and verify pulses; counting a total number of programming loops; and in at least one programming loop, programming at least one memory cell of the selected word line to a last data state, during the programming of the last data state; counting a number of last data state programming loops, and in response to both the total number of programming loops being less than a first predetermined threshold and the number of last data state programming loops being equal to a second predetermined threshold, skipping verify in a final programming loop and completing programming.
 2. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising, during programming of the last data state, in response to the total number of programming loops being greater than the first predetermined threshold, conducting verify in each programming loop until verify passes or until programming fails.
 3. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising, during programming of the last data state, in response to the number of last data state programming loops being less than the second predetermined threshold, continuing to perform verify in each of the programming loops until either the number of total programming loops is greater than or equal to the first predetermined threshold or until the number of last data state programming loops is equal to the second predetermined threshold.
 4. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plurality of data states includes eight total data states and wherein the last data state is a seventh programmed data state.
 5. The method as set forth in claim 4 wherein the first predetermined threshold is twelve.
 6. The method as set forth in claim 4 wherein the second predetermined threshold is three.
 7. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein each programming loop includes applying a programming pulse to a control gate of the selected word line and wherein the programming pulses have increasing voltages with an increase in the count of the total number of programming loops.
 8. A memory device, comprising; an array of memory cells arranged in a plurality of word lines, the memory cells being capable of being programmed to store multiple bits of data per memory cell; a control circuitry communicatively coupled to the array of memory cells and configured to program the memory cells of a selected word line of the plurality of word lines to a plurality of leading data states in a plurality of programming loops that include programming pulses and verify pulses, the control circuitry also being configured to count a total number of programming loops during programming of the selected word line; the control circuitry also being configured to program at least one memory cell of the selected word line to a last data state in at least one last data state programming loop, the at least one last data state programming loop including; counting a number of last data state programming loops, and in response to both the total number of programming loops being less than a first predetermined threshold and the number of last data state programming loops being equal to a second predetermined threshold, skipping verify in a final programming loop and completing programming.
 9. The memory device set forth in claim 8, further comprising, during programming of the last data state, in response to the total number of programming loops being greater than the first predetermined threshold, the control circuitry being configured to conduct verify in each programming loop until verify passes or until programming fails.
 10. The memory device as set forth in claim 8, further comprising, during programming of the last data state, in response to the number of last data state programming loops being less than the second predetermined threshold, the control circuitry being configured to continue to perform verify in the programming loops until either the number of total programming loops is greater than or equal to the first predetermined threshold or until the number of last data state programming loops is equal to the second predetermined threshold.
 11. The memory device as set forth in claim 8 wherein the plurality of data states includes eight total data states and wherein the last data state is a seventh programmed data state.
 12. The memory device as set forth in claim 11 wherein the first predetermined threshold is twelve.
 13. The memory device as set forth in claim 11 wherein the second predetermined threshold is three.
 14. The memory device as set forth in claim 8 wherein each programming loop performed by the control circuitry includes applying a programming pulse to a control gate of the selected word line and wherein the programming pulses have increasing voltages with an increase in the count of the total number of programming loops.
 15. An apparatus, comprising; a memory device including an array of memory cells arranged in a plurality of word lines, the memory cells being capable of being programmed to store multiple bits of data per memory cell; a programming means communicatively coupled to the array of memory cells for programming the memory cells of a selected word line of the plurality of word lines to a plurality of leading data states in a plurality of programming loops that include programming pulses and verify pulses, the programming means also being configured to count a total number of programming loops during programming of the selected word line; the programming means also being configured to program at least one memory cell of the selected word line to a last data state, during programming of the last data state, the programming means; counts a number of last data state programming loops, and in response to both the total number of programming loops being less than a first predetermined threshold and the number of last data state programming loops being equal to a second predetermined threshold, skips verify in a final programming loop and completes programming.
 16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein during programming of the last data state, in response to the total number of programming loops being greater than the first predetermined threshold, the programming means conducts verify in each programming loop until verify passes or until programming fails.
 17. The apparatus as set forth in claim 15, further comprising, during programming of the last data state, in response to the number of last data state programming loops being less than the second predetermined threshold, the programming means performs verify in the programming loops until either the number of total programming loops is greater than or equal to the first predetermined threshold or until the number of last data state programming loops is equal to the second predetermined threshold.
 18. The apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein the plurality of data states includes eight total data states and wherein the last data state is a seventh programmed data state.
 19. The apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein the first predetermined threshold is twelve.
 20. The apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein the second predetermined threshold is three. 